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From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
A Don and Professor of political science at the Federal University Lokoja, Prof Segun Joshua has said the current security crises facing the country was caused by bad politic and it was the same instrumentality of politics that can bring an end to it .
While delivering the 36th inaugural lecture of the university yesterday, he identified bad politic which translates to bad governance and poor leadership as one of the major causes of crises in Nigeria.
He said “Nigeria has experienced repeated Muslim–Christian clashes, especially in Kano, Kaduna, and Jos. Democratic transition after years of military rule intensified identity tensions and unleashed suppressed grievances. Many ‘religious’ conflicts are fundamentally political power struggles, with religion used as the mobilizing language.
“Scholars widely argue that ethnic and religious violence is often a strategy for political and economic control, not faith-driven hostility. Religion becomes a tool to rally followers, mask political/elite agendas, or justify struggles over resources, governance, or territorial control” . He said
While identifying unemployment, resource control, as other causes of conflict, he however said in Nigeria be it religious or tribal conflicts, the root cause of major crises was always politics as those in the helmps of affairs because of one vested interest or the other shy away from any conflict and allow it to fester dangerously until it claims innocent lives and property.
In his lecture entitled “The Voice of Jacob, but the Hands of Esau: Unmasking the Masquerade Behind Conflict and Insecurity,” Prof. Joshua gave series examples of crises in Nigeria and said politic was the major cause of those crises .
“The triology of my lecture; politics, conflict and insecurity in which politics serves as the intersection between conflict and insecurity depicts a situation of politics propelling conflict and insecurity.
“Thus, conflict dressed in the garments of ethnic, religious and cultural differences and resource war among others are indeed political. It can also be gleaned from the lecture that there is unhelpful partnership between politics and insecurity and that politics determines the management of security. If the twin problems of conflict and insecurity and many others will be solved, it is also through the instrumentality of politics.
“The undesirable characterization of Nigeria for instance in recent times by American President, Donald Trump as a ‘country of particular concern’ is not unconnected with the carnage associated with conflict and insecurity in the country that has taken a religious twist. It points directly to failure of leadership.
“Hence, there is need to cultivate, culture and inculcate in the young ones and upcoming generation, the ideal leadership attributes of some leaders mentioned in the lecture so as to have a beautiful tomorrow”.
To put an end to the festering crises in Nigeria, Prof Segun Joshua said our political leaders must at all times ensure social cohesion by promoting national unity, and treat the whole country as their constituency and creating Institutional Stability by making a Strong rule-base institutions that creates stable foundation for peace.
He also advocated for equal representations and inclusion by ensuring diverse voices are included in national discourse to reduce grievances while government must develop workable policies to address unemployment, poverty , and inequality that fuel conflicts in the country
Prof Joshua also suggested a good Conflict Resolution machinery by using political processes to negotiate and settle disputes peacefully.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the federal university, lokoja, Prof Akinwumi Olayemi said
across global academia, inaugural lectures are one of the most treasured traditions that offer Professors the opportunity to present their scholarly journey; their research contributions, discoveries, and the impact of their work on society.
“They reaffirm that universities do not pursue knowledge for its own sake, but for the advancement and wellbeing of humanity.
” Our responsibility as a university extends beyond knowledge production. We must ensure that our research informs policy, strengthens communities, and contributes to national development.
“Through evidence-based studies, community engagements, peace-building initiatives, and the training of ethical future leaders, we remain committed to bridging the gap between town and gown. Knowledge must serve the people for whom it is produced.
“When I assumed office, one of my clear missions was to strengthen this noble academic tradition. I challenged our Professors to rise to their responsibility and present their inaugural lectures.
” I am pleased to say that they cooperated fully. I extend my appreciation to all who have delivered theirs, and I am confident that those who are yet to present are already making firm preparations.
‘ I am happy that we are leaving behind a strengthened tradition; one I believe the next Vice-Chancellor will sustain and build upon” . He added
